At the risk of sounding like a broken record, Tulsa is still frustratingly limited on the availability of venues. The pandemic is still a threat to the population and larger venues have yet to open their doors to the public. This, unfortunately, left Tulsa’s very own music awards show with a tough decision.
What has grown exponentially in it’s few short years in existence nearly became the latest victim of pandemic related cancellations. But the Tulsa Music Awards, an extension of “We Are Tulsa Music“, would not be denied. Director of the TMA’s Roger Seago III was absolutely determined to recognize the artists, producers, venues, and everyone else involved in the local music scene with what is becoming a coveted annual tradition. This year, those awards picked up some pretty large sponsors, almost a full page in fact, as well as being welcomed to the historic Cain’s Ballroom for the “Oilfire 3rd Annual Tulsa Music Awards“. Roger and his enthusiastic team decided to adapt and overcome in order to ensure the awards were presented and the winners are recognized.
As many others have done, Roger decided to embrace technology by going virtual. Thanks to some of his partners, he and his team were able to transition from what would have been a larger venue in the Cain’s, a step up from the IDL Ballroom, into a virtual stream. What would have been a backdrop and visuals on screens at the venue was instead attractive transitions on par with what you’d expect from the Grammy’s and AMA’s. The only thing missing was a red carpet. With the Cain’s not yet opened from the recent closure protocols, the actual event was instead held privately at the Mercury Lounge and live-streamed worldwide. Those in attendance were among those finalists and the production crew. The night was hosted by Tulsa’s own Gerald “Hurricane” Harris and Evan Hughes. Harris, most people know from his professional fighting career in UFC, Bellator, and other fighting promotions retired from fighting in 2019 and can now be found teaching Social Studies in Broken Arrow as well as appearing at local comedy clubs doing stand up comedy. His co-host Hughes is also a regular to the stand-up comedy circuit. This came together beautifully as they had instant chemistry. With the hosts ready and a few opening and closing remarks from Roger, the stage was set and the awards began rolling out.
There are a few artists/bands that had clean sweeps. Travis Bond & the Rebel Souls took home two out of two awards, continuing his clean sweep record from 2019. However, the most awards won were tied between Aaron Michaels and Travis Kidd for three out of three awards. The night’s results are as follows:
3rd annual oilfire tulsa music Award Winners:
New Artist of the Year: Aaron Michaels
Breakout Artist of the Year: BC & The Big Rig
Home Away from Home: Melissa Hembree
Rock/Alternative Artist of the Year: Travis Bond & the Rebel Souls
Metal Artist of the Year: Down For Five
Punk Artist of the Year: The Normandys
Pop Artist of the Year: Lindsay Rae
Pioneer Award: Jim Halsey
Country Artist of the Year: Travis Kidd
Heartland Artist of the year: Whiskey Poet Society
Radio Personality of the Year: Natalie Cash
Acoustic Solo Artist of the Year: Travis Kidd
Blues Artist of the Year: Harley Hamm
Jazz Artist of the Year: Cherokee Rose
Small Venue of the Year: Mercury Lounge
Mid-Size Venue of the Year: Oklahoma Jazz Hall Of Fame
Large Venue of the Year: Cain’s Ballroom
Concert/Event of the Year: Battle of the Bands at Cain’s Ballroom
DJ of the Year: Morgan Ganem
Christian/Gospel Artist of the Year: Aaron Michaels
R&B/Soul Artist of the Year: Full Flava Kings
Rap/Hip Hop Artist of the Year: Had Enough
Producer of the Year: Mike Gilliland
Studio of the Year: Teegarden Studios
Single of the Year: “Taking My Time” by Aaron Michaels
Album/EP of the Year: “Screamin’ At The Moon” by Travis Bond & the Rebel Souls
Music Video of the Year: “PBR” by Gypsy Store Troubadors
Best Jam Night: Open Mic at Gypsy Coffee House
Cover/Tribute Artist of the Year: Dead Metal Society
Promoter of the Year: Doc Roc Productions
Ambassador Award: Travis Kidd
Congratulations to not only all those who took home awards but to those nominated as well. Tulsa’s music scene is extremely rich and diverse and these awards are there to recognize and acknowledge all of those in the industry as a token of gratitude for bringing their art and craft to the area. Next year’s awards have already been set for May 8th at the historic Cain’s Ballroom and promise to be bigger and better than ever. Visit the website and Facebook pages for more information as the 2021 nominations will be opening up in a few short months and with the lingering pandemic related lockdown, there’s sure to be an explosion of music released as soon as these artists can get back in the studios.
Roger Seago III was also featured on the most recent episode of Surviving Rocklahoma Live, Sunday, June 14th, where he gave more insight into both Tulsa Music Awards, We Are Tulsa Music, as well as his satirical country-inspired band, Dixie Wrecked.
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